Chapter 25

Class 1 Classroom

"Alright, everybody! Here's a famous article," Zhang Rongbao announced, scribbling something on the chalkboard. "Let's see who can give me the answer the fastest. Ready? Go!"

"The answer is 23," Qian Sanyi and Ye Bai chimed in simultaneously, exchanging a brief glance.

"Wow!" exclaimed the students, impressed by the synchronized response.

"Who wants to come up and explain it?" Zhang Rongbao prompted. "Come on, share your method with the class."

Ye Bai nodded towards Qian Sanyi, indicating he should take the lead. He was content to stay seated; there were no extra points for explaining in the front.

Rising to his feet, Qian Sanyi confidently tackled the equation, impressing the class with his explanation.

Deng Xiaoqi was amazed at how cool Qian Sanyi was in front. And he felt proud that the boy he likes is so impressive.

Observing this, Miaomiao turned to Ye Bai, asking, "Why didn't you step up and let that egotistical Qian Sanyi hog the spotlight?"

"Miaomiao, that's not the case. Showing off typically stems from insecurity and a craving for validation, whereas being 'the only one who can answer' suggests a recognition of someone's unique expertise or perspective," Ye Bai explained to Miaomiao. "Is Qian Sanyi insecure? I don't think so. What would he be insecure about? He's the top scorer."

As they conversed, Qian Sanyi wrapped up his explanation of The Ancient Mathematical Article on the board, concluding the classroom demonstration.

...

Qian Sanyi and some Class 1 students were hanging out outside the classroom. Inside, Jiang Tianhao, Ye Bai, and Lin Miaomiao observed their interactions.

"Look, Ye Bai, he's showing off again," Miaomiao remarked, pointing towards Qian Sanyi and the others.

Ye Bai looks outside; even if Qian Sanyi shows off, it is not his business. He stared at Miaomiao. "What bad blood do you have with Qian Sanyi? You always find something to pick on him," Ye Bai asked curiously.

"You want to ask? First, unfair treatment of the teachers; he also traps me to become a vegetarian; and also the monitoring last time on the canteen," Miaomiao explained. 

"Why are you angry at him if he was a favorite of the teachers? You should be angry at the teacher because of their favoritism," Ye Bai countered. He understood the frustration of dealing with teacher favoritism at Elite High School, but it wasn't something they could change easily. That's a perk of the protagonist in this world. 

"Lesson! Lesson! Lesson!" the student outside shouted.

"Qian Sanyi posed a question to the group. "Today, let's discuss Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, and Calculus. What sets them apart? "

Sun Chuanchu responded with a joke: "Please spare us the arithmetic today."

"That's right, Qian Sanyi, we're not up for it," Deng Xiaoqi added.

"Deng Xiaoqi, her mind suddenly changed!"

Miaomiao, who is listening to mock Sanyi's words, said, "The part between the brain system suddenly changes—" She stood up abruptly, surprising Jiang Tianhao and Ye Bai. "I know, I know. 'Calculus' has only one tone. 'Linear Algebra' has four syllables with the same tone, while 'Advanced Mathematics' has four syllables with different tones. Am I right?"

"Yes,Yes," The students around Qian Sanyi mumbled, which also enlightened how Miaomiao answered the question. 

"You are majoring in literature, so you don't need to answer this question," Qian Sanyi retorted.

"I was correct! This isn't an arithmetic question; it's a literature question," Miaomiao countered.

"Incorrect," Qian Sanyi replied.

"You say I'm wrong? Fine. Then please enlighten us with the correct answer," Miaomiao challenged confidently.

Qian Sanyi hesitated, unable to concede. "I can't discuss the answer with you. Think about it carefully on your own, so that it can leave a deep impression on you." Miaomiao is right, but he can't let this girl be proud.

The students around Qian Sanyi also nodded. 

"Also, when you have lunch, add some red meat. I heard that it can help you to improve this one." Qian Sanyi pointed his head.

Fuming with anger, Miaomiao declared, "Wait for me; I have a question for you!" Determined to confront the irritating individual, she made her way towards the door. However, her plans were halted when someone unexpectedly grasped her hands.

It was Ye Bai, holding her hand firmly. "Don't go out; stay here with us. You shouldn't always act on impulse. What's the use of rushing forward every time? It's not a good trait," he advised calmly.

Miaomiao, looking at Ye Bai holding her hand, couldn't fully comprehend his words. All she grasped was, "Don't go out; stay here."

Feeling a sudden wave of shyness, Miaomiao quietly returned to her seat. Jiang Tianhao was taken aback by her sudden change from a lioness to a calm sheep. He cast a glance at Ye Bai, silently hoping to learn a trick or two from him.

Qian Sanyi and the student were also surprised because Miaomiao became calm and didn't go out. Deng Xiaoqi is also shocked; he knows Miaomiao will not swallow a little setback. She will fight until she is utterly lost before she gives up. However, now she remained calm, leaving them all puzzled about what had transpired and why Miaomiao had suddenly become subdued. Only Jiang Tianhao, Lin Miaomiao, and Ye Bai knew the reason behind her change in behavior.

Their talk turns to where to apply to college. Qian Sanyi is expected to apply to Peking or Tsinghua. Deng Xiaoqi wanted to apply to art school to become a celebrity.

Listening to their discussions, Miaomiao turned to Ye Bai. "Xiaobai, where are you planning to go to college?" she inquired.

Ye Bai felt a little lost; he hadn't made any college plans. "I'm not sure yet," he admitted.

"Well, if you're undecided, why not consider applying to the same university as me? I'll be studying Chinese Language and Literature at Nanjing University," Miaomiao suggested.

"Alright, I'll give it some thought," Ye Bai replied.

...

When Ye Bai entered the classroom early in the morning, he noticed Miaomiao rushing outside in a panic. Concerned, he couldn't help but ask, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to call my dad," Miaomiao replied hastily before darting off to the telephone booth outside.

Ye Bai watched her leave before taking his seat in the noisy classroom. As he settled down, Sun Chuanchu approached him with a question. "Ye Bai, do you know where your examination room is?"

Confused, Ye Bai responded, "I have no idea. What's going on?"

"We have the first-semester exams tomorrow, and they've divided us based on our grades from last month's exam," Jiang Tianhao explained.

"You should check your examination room," Sun Chuanchu suggested.

Suddenly, Qian Sanyi interjected, "Ye Bai, our examination room is the same. We're in room 1."

"Thanks, Sanyi. You saved me a trip," Ye Bai replied gratefully.

"It was just something I noticed," Sanyi shrugged.

As they conversed, Ye Bai overheard three students discussing Lin Miaomiao and Deng Xiaoqi's examination room being at the end of the hall. Realizing why Miaomiao had rushed out, he understood that she wanted to call her father.

....

Miaomiao dialed her father's cellphone number in a hurry. "Dad, I didn't do well in the exam," she confessed, her tone filled with distress.

"Really? In 108 heroes on Mount Liang, they didn't confirm who came first and who came later. It's okay, just do your best next time," her father, Lin Dawei, calmly encouraged her.

"But how can I talk to mom about it?" Miaomiao asked anxiously.

This was what Lin Miaomiao feared the most – facing Wang Shengnan's reaction after revealing her grades.

"If you don't say it, what do you want me to do for you? I'm your bullet cover. Remember that, my dear. In the future, if you have to deal with annoying things, just tell me and let me help you solve them. You just need to turn around and escape," Lin Dawei reassured her.

Lin Miaomia sighed. "So, I'm turning around and escaping." Feeling somewhat comforted by her father's words, Miaomiao hung up the phone, although her mood remained unchanged.

While walking upstairs, she overheard students talking behind her back. "You know, I heard that Lin Miaomiao and Deng Xiaoqi will be in the 10th position for the exam. Those two are really works of art—"

"Shut up!"

They looked behind and found Miaomiao standing there angrily. Startled, they hurriedly dispersed and didn't look back.

In Elite High School, during every semester exam, students were divided into different examination rooms based on their monthly exam grades. If your grade was the highest, then your examination room would be Room 1. If your name was posted on "Examination Room 10," it was akin to publicly labeling you as one of the less academically successful students. The fear of public humiliation was too much for Miaomiao to handle.

Miaomiao slowly walked inside the classroom and sat down in her seat. To her right, Sun Chuanchu and Jiang Tianhao were playing arm wrestling.

Sun Chuanchu glanced at her and said, "Miaomiao, where is your examination room?"

She was still in a bad mood, and now someone asked her what she hated to hear. 

"The spring breeze blew suddenly, causing ripples in the spring water," she responded.

Qian Sanyi wrote in his notebook. "Where she takes her exam is not relevant to you."

Sun Chuanchu said, "Why is it not relevant?

Miaomiao suddenly felt something plastic on her face. She angrily turned around and found her favorite dried mango snack. She looked up to see Ye Bai smiling. "I can see a black aura around you," Ye Bai teased. Miaomiao took the snack and just stared at it.

"Don't you like it? I have another snack in my bag," Ye Bai said. He now saves many snacks in his bag because of his enhanced memory.

"You could have asked me if I wanted it, Ye Bai," Sun Chuanchu chimed in.

Ye Bai shook his head, and Sun Chuanchu understood, refraining from joking around with Miaomiao. Ye Bai walked slowly and sat in front of Miaomiao.

Miaomiao looked at him and said, "Thank you, Ye Bai. I just need some quiet time." She knew that Ye Bai wanted to cheer her up, but he couldn't change the way others thought of her.

Ye Bai smiled and walked to his seat. He couldn't do anything about Miaomiao's situation; it was part of her growing up. Even when he reminded her to study, she would just listen and make excuses. Consequences were necessary for her actions.

...

Tomorrow is the day of the exam, and Lin Miaomiao secretly called Deng Xiaoqi to meet her in the warehouse.

"Why did you bring me here, Miaomiao?" Deng Xiaoqi asked, surprised by the unexpected call.

Lin Miaomiao handed her a flower pot, leaving Deng Xiaoqi puzzled. "What am I supposed to do with this? Commit a murder without using a weapon?"

"No, have you ever heard of 'Acquired Savant Syndrome'?" Lin Miaomiao explained.

Deng Xiaoqi shook her head, clueless. "Acquired? Sex Savant?" she exclaimed, shocked, before playfully pinching Lin Miaomiao. "You have such a dirty mind."

Disappointed, Lin Miaomiao leaned against the wall. "What's wrong with your mind? Why would you even think like that? 'Acquired Savant' means turning someone into a genius by hitting their head."

"Oh, I see." Deng Xiaoqi nodded in understanding.

"There's a story where a middle-aged person encountered a robbery and got hit on the head. After waking up, he discovered he had become a mathematical genius," Lin Miaomiao elaborated, moving closer to Deng Xiaoqi. "I looked it up online, and it said he was hit on the left side."

Miaomiao leaned against the wall. "Okay, Xiaoqi, hit me here on the left side of my head. Come on, do it! Let's give this a try before the exam tomorrow."

Deng Xiaoqi hesitated, unsure about Miaomiao's unconventional plan. "Miaomiao, they say lightning can also have the same effect. Why don't you try that instead?"

"This is my last resort. I have to ace the exam tomorrow," Miaomiao insisted.

With some reluctance, Deng Xiaoqi lightly tapped Miaomiao's head.

"Ouch!" Miaomiao winced.

Deng Xiaoqi chuckled. "See, I barely tapped you, and you're already in pain. Imagine what this flower pot could do!"

Though a bit disappointed, Miaomiao didn't push Deng Xiaoqi to go through with it. She knew it was a far-fetched idea, and she would have to rely on her own abilities for the exam.

...